Top Trends In Kitchen Renovations

By Author: Sabrina Kaufman
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The kitchen, and by proxy the dining room, is the heart of any home. Homeowners and new home buyers alike are recognizing a slight shift in trends for 2010. The most requested style? Traditional - followed closely by contemporary. White and white washed wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and natural stone flooring are the leaders in materials. Some newer appliances are breaking ground and some styles, like Shaker, are making a resurgence.

Bigger Budget Trends
For those with the resources, some of the top kitchen trends include appliances like the French door, bottom freezer refrigerator, under counter wine refrigerators, and drawer-style dishwashers. Granite counter tops are still popular choices in renovations and new home construction but quartz is a close second. Cherry cabinets, including some with open front, glass doors, and white-washed cabinets are highly sought after.

In major kitchen renovations, the design of the space is changing to reflect the desire for island sinks and prep areas. The triangle design has given way to an open, roomy layout so more than one person ...
... can feel comfortable in the kitchen. Providing separate work areas, like a pastry table, a vegetable sink, and separate cook tops and wall ovens are all options that will make your kitchen loved by all.

Smaller Budget Trends
When budget restrictions call for smaller scale renovations, the trend is to replace more affordable parts. Extendable kitchen faucets, as well as pot-fillers, are must-haves, along with under the cabinet task lighting. Flooring that is made to look like natural stone, and color schemes of white, bone, brown, or neutral shades are the most popular. Replacing cabinet hardware when cabinets are out of the budget's reach with brushed nickel or bronze is another trendy update.

Whatever the budget, perhaps the two most significant trends in kitchen renovations are energy-saving appliances and eco-friendly material. The "green" movement has caught on and is probably here to stay. Building materials from renewable sources are popular as are those appliances that save money. The drawer-style dishwasher, for instance, allows smaller loads to be washed, saving money and electricity. Energy-saving refrigerators with in-the-door water dispensers and filters are popular and help you save money on bottled water.

In terms of design, the new kitchen has begun to shy away from contemporary and leans more towards traditional. This is good news for those who have already got a kitchen with a traditional look. Whether making minor or major renovations, keep in mind that openness is key to a desirable kitchen. No one wants to be shut off from family members or guests while cooking, so kitchens with visibility to other areas are popular. Many homeowners can obtain openness in a renovation by taking out part or all of a wall and adding a breakfast bar or counter peninsula.

Another interesting design trend that you may have noticed in magazines and books is contrasting kitchen cabinetry. Where all wall cabinets may be white, the kitchen island cabinet may be dark cherry. The contrast of dark and light cabinets is a look you can achieve on a lower budget by replacing only some cabinets and painting others. Don't worry if the cabinet style doesn't match; it doesn't need to.

Even if you're not a trendy person, you can certainly reap some ideas from what is hot in kitchen design and renovation. Implementing only one trend, or several, will add value to your kitchen as it signifies an update. Out-of-date kitchens are a homeowner's nightmare when it comes time to sell their home. By keeping up as you go, you get to enjoy the changes as well.

Start with small ideas but be sure to have a plan in place. Many kitchen design experts agree that most major kitchen renovations start because of something simple - like a leaky faucet - and homeowners tend to let things get out of control. Make a plan for your kitchen renovation and set a budget. Remember to stick to materials that you can afford, colors that are neutral and can be spiced up with different kitchen accessories and linens, and avoid design flaws that won't work in the space you have. If you're feeling stuck, consult a professional designer - either an independent designer or one that works for a home improvement retailer. They can actually save you money, time, and aggravation.

Kitchen trends come and go but a little love in the kitchen in the form of updates goes a long way towards a better home, better resale value, and happier cooks.
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